Hey everyone, due to the recent price hikes on cPanel, I'm considering launching a new control panel. I'm curious to know how you all have dealt with WHMCS.
Initially, my plan was to create a separate hosting plan for each control panel, but I've realized that it's not very efficient. Instead, I propose having just one plan that includes different options:
For instance:
- Plan One with cPanel for $10
- Plan One with DirectAdmin for $8
- Plan One with Virtualmin for $5
- And so on...
Now, for the second and third plans...
Did you know that with WHMCS, I can only create three plans, and the control panel is listed as an option in the shopping cart? This way, when a user selects a panel, their account will automatically be created on the corresponding server.
I'm uncertain about achieving this using product add-ons or custom parameters. So any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Creating a separate plan for each panel seems to be the only feasible option, as you mentioned.
Nevertheless, there is an alternative approach where you can establish a base plan that requires add-ons (referred to as panels) for an additional cost, let's say $5. By doing so, you can manually set up the accounts accordingly.
While this may require some manual configuration, it is an effective method to address the issue at hand.
One approach you could consider is using configurable options in WHMCS. You can create a "Control Panel" configurable option with multiple choices such as cPanel, DirectAdmin, and Virtualmin. When customers select a specific control panel option, you can use product add-ons or custom scripts to automate the creation of their account on the corresponding server.
Alternatively, you could explore using product bundles in WHMCS. This way, instead of having separate plans for each control panel, you can create bundles that include the desired control panel as an add-on. Customers can then choose the bundle that best fits their needs, and the control panel will be installed automatically during the provisioning process.
Another option is to leverage custom development or third-party WHMCS addons that provide more flexibility in managing multiple control panel options. These addons might offer additional functionality specifically designed for handling different control panels within WHMCS.
Regardless of which approach you choose, it's important to thoroughly test and ensure that the automation processes work as expected. Additionally, considering the potential increase in technical complexity, having a strong support system or team in place would be beneficial to address any potential issues that may arise.
Here are a few more ideas and suggestions to consider for managing different control panel options in WHMCS:
1. Integration with APIs: If the control panel providers offer APIs, you can leverage them to integrate the provisioning process with WHMCS. This way, when a customer selects a control panel option, WHMCS can automatically communicate with the respective control panel API to provision the account on the corresponding server.
2. Custom Development: If you have the technical expertise or resources, you can develop custom modules or plugins for WHMCS to handle the provisioning and management of different control panels. This approach gives you full control and customization options tailored to your specific needs.
3. Third-Party WHMCS Addons: Explore the WHMCS marketplace or consult with developers who specialize in WHMCS addons. There might be existing addons that provide the functionality you're looking for, such as advanced control panel integration or multiple control panel support.
4. Product Add-Ons: Instead of using configurable options, you can consider utilizing product add-ons in WHMCS. Create separate product add-ons for each control panel option and offer them as additional services that customers can select during the ordering process.
Remember to thoroughly research any third-party addons or solutions, read reviews, and ensure they are compatible with your WHMCS installation and version.
It's also essential to keep an eye on updates from cPanel and other control panel providers as their pricing and licensing models might change over time. Make sure to factor in any potential impact on your business and adapt accordingly.